Can’t live with them, can’t live without them – can be a phrase that stands true for both the genders in life. In this “modern” world of the 21st Century, while we acknowledge the massive struggle and achievements of women around the world, we cannot turn away from the fact that very little is being said or done about men, and their emotional and mental wellbeing.

While feminists continue their fight for equality, justice, and empowerment of women, we ask ourselves, does not patriarchy in society, also, almost equally, if not more, affect men. 

How often have we come across that boy, forced to “man up” and take things as they come? How often have we seen a man go through the stress of living up to the expectations of being financially and professionally “competent”? And, how often have we seen a man suppress his emotions in order to meet the image of another masculine figure that meets the ideal version of…being a man.

Not negating the importance of owning up to responsibilities, we believe it is high time that we began normalizing the fact that building a life, expressing yourself, and exploring your individuality, is something that every human should have the right to do, irrespective of man or woman. Just as we say age is just a number, sometimes, we think we use our genders as excuses too.

Here are four ways to put aside the drama and re-align yourself to being the best version of you.

1. Pay attention to your body – The saying “a healthy mind in a healthy body” was born out of the fact that the communication between our minds and bodies is very strong. So pay close attention to your body, keep it well, keep it fit, and see how it signals your mind to feel the same.
2. Get Moving – No matter how busy you might be, pulling out 30 minutes to do some form of physical exercise is something almost everybody can do! Then be it dancing, going for a walk, running, or some form of yoga or the other – the idea is to get moving for a while to get that circulation going!
3. Learn to put yourself first – Not everyone might be happy with the idea of putting himself or herself first. Personally, we used to find it almost selfish. Yet, the fact of the matter is that when you are at peace, your productivity and ability to do more for everyone else around you as well as yourself, increases multifold!
4. Express Yourself! – One of the most important tools that human beings is given is communication. Use it to your advantage to fast track the route to solutions.

Do try out any, all, or a combination of these, and share with us something that worked best for you! In the meanwhile, keep in mind that both men and women are born different, have their own strengths and weaknesses, and respond differently in different situations.

But the idea is not for men to be “man enough” or women to strive for “gender equality amongst men and women” The idea, despite a busy life and lifestyle, is to relax, understand that some things will always be in our control, while others won’t, and just…take a breath man!